Title: Bound By Honor
Series: Men of Honor, Book 1
Author: S.E. Jakes
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: bought
Published: March 1, 2011 by Samhain Publishing
One year ago on a mission gone wrong, Tanner James failed to save the life of Jesse, his Army Ranger teammate. Before dying in that South American jungle, Jesse extracted a promise that won’t let Tanner rest until it’s fulfilled—no matter what it costs him.
Damon Price loved Jesse, but problems in their relationship had come to a head right before Jesse left on his final mission. Now a reluctant Dom and a man still in mourning, he’s not happy when Tanner appears at his BDSM club. And even less happy with Jesse’s last request—that Tanner sub for him for one night.
After a rough start, Damon realizes that the tough soldier, despite his protests, aches for someone to take control. And Tanner senses a hesitance, an insecurity in Damon that makes him wonder if he’s simply a placeholder for Jesse, or if their tentative connection could grow into something more.
For Jesse’s sake, they agree to try one weekend together. Then duty calls, and a series of attacks that have been happening near the club hits too close to home, making both men wonder if giving their hearts is a maneuver fraught with too much risk…
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: I’m a bad reader for reading a book I knew was BDSM and you should ignore this review.
The Set Up: A year ago Tanner was on an Army mission with teammate Jesse when Jesse died. But first he made Tanner promise to find his former lover, Damon, and ask Damon to dominate Tanner. Tanner does but Damon isn’t kind and Tanner is more out of control than usual. Damon realizes his error and asks Tanner for a weekend to show him how a D/s relationship should be.
Why I Read this Book: I knew going in this was a BDSM book which isn’t my thing but so many people said the romance was emotional more than BDSM that I thought I’d try it.
What I Liked: I love manly men in my MM romance and I got that here. Tanner is a current Army Ranger and Damon a former one. I love military men in romance and I got that here. I also liked that Damon had realistic issues with Tanner’s career given that Damon had already lost one lover to the Army. This part of the emotional tension was well done.
I also liked the secondary characters of Damon’s friend and fellow bar owner. I know he’s the lead in the next book, along with the police officer who is working the case of men who get attacked outside of Damon’s BDSM club.
I got issues and I accept them: I shouldn’t have started this book. It’s all BDSM and that’s just not something I enjoy. Tanner feels out of control in his life and he’s searching for something which his friend Jesse thinks Damon can provide. The first BDSM scene is painful to witness as Damon stripes Tanner sexually and emotionally in front of people and Tanner’s reaction makes sense. But then Damon asks Tanner to forgive him and start again (uh, not after that!) which Tanner does. This leads to a weekend of Damon showing Tanner D/s and how rewarding it can be. I just didn’t enjoy it. I’m sure BDSM fans will adore this novel but it wasn’t for me.
IMO: I’m nearly incapable of not finishing a book once I start so I finished but didn’t enjoy it much. Given my anti-BDSM taste you should likely ignore this review.
J9’s Rating:
I am sorry that you read something that you didn't enjoy. :( I tried to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, because everyone loved it. However, after the first book, I couldn't read the other two, because I hate reading about violence against women.
ReplyDeleteYes! It's like that! where you are suspicious going in but do it anyway only to have it validated. This is really my fault, not the book's! Thanks for reading the blog.
Delete